Tourism Ireland, Marketing the Island of Ireland Overseas

German Journalists Explore Northern Ireland By Motorbike

15 Sep 2010

Leading travel and racing bike journalists from Germany were invited by Tourism Ireland to come and experience some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular drives at first-hand recently. The bikers’ programme included a stop at Navan Fort near Armagh and the Beaghmore Stones in Cookstown, before arriving at the North Coast where they explored the NW 200 route. Finally, the visitors toured the Causeway Coastal Route, stopping off at the Giant’s Causeway, Old Bushmills Distillery and the village of Cushendall.

Barbara Wood, Tourism Ireland Germany, said: “We are delighted these influential motorcycle journalists have taken the time to come to Northern Ireland to experience what we have to offer at first-hand. Familiarisation visits such as these are extremely important as they help build awareness of the wonderful product on offer in Northern Ireland for motorbike fans, as well as our spectacular scenery and the wealth of historic attractions. The aim is that when these writers return home they are better equipped to put into words what a holiday in this part of the world entails, thereby encouraging more Germans to come here and experience it for themselves.”

Tourism Ireland is the organisation responsible for promoting Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination.

Tourism is responsible for in excess of 4.9% of GDP in Northern Ireland and supported approximately 40,000 jobs.

Over 1.4 million overseas visitors came to Northern Ireland in 2009, delivering revenue of £271 million.

Tourism Ireland’s international website is www.discoverireland.com; there are 41 different websites, providing information in 19 different languages covering every continent. In 2009 discoverireland.com attracted a record 13+ million unique visitors, a +34% increase in visits on 2008.